Harvard University. Corporation. Records of Grants for Work among the Indians, 1720-1812. Letter from Timothy Woodbridge to Andrew Oliver, July 10, 1761. UAI 20.720 Box 1, Folder 17, Harvard University Archives.

Stockbridge July 10th, 1761

{Honorable} Sir.

I received your letter, of the 11th of May, Together with the vote of the {Commissioners}, and The Twelve pounds for the Support of Mr. Dean's Son, which I have paid, to the father of the Lad. I once wrote my opinion, respecting the cost of one Lad {per} annum, which was Twenty-five pounds, and I am still of the same mind.

As you informed me in your letter, that the {Honorable} and {Reverend} {Commissioners} were in some doubt, of the expediency, of my sending my son: I have upon that account, I have not sent him. I am sensible, that a good issue, of undertakings of this nature, are uncertain, the thing being founded, only on probabilities, we can only hope, a good event.

My son has been desirous of undertaking, but as I can't promise success, so I am not willing, with respect to him, to act my own judgment.

I believe if anything could be done To purpose, and money sufficient could be obtained, some such method as this, would be most likely, to lay a proper foundation, to spread Christian knowledge, among the Indians. That three or four English sober Lads, with five or six Indian lads, should be educated together. That they should have a steady master, sometimes they should be kept, among the English, and some Times among the Indians, about six months at a time, with either Nation: some Times with one Indian Nation, and sometimes with another, their master always going with them. This method would, well acquaint the English, and Indians with each Language: and I think have a great tendency, to bring the Indians to receive instructions, with ease, and pleasure. I dont doubt, if this or some such like, measures were gone into, but Two, or three, years we should see it

it flourish prosper in our hands: but it is with submission, I give my thoughts

I am persuaded, that Twenty pounds, {Sterling} a year, would support each Lad.

There was a considerable donation, as I have been inform'd, left by Admiral Warren: To be improv'd for the Christianizing the Indians, but who has the disposition of it, I dont certainly know: perhaps that might be found for such a purpose.

I pray yours, and the {Honorable} {Commissioners, excuse, for my freedom. I am so much among them the Indians that it is become natural, to care for them, and to contrive, methods for their being brought to the acknowledgement of the truth, as it is in Jesus: and that this might be the case, I pray God to direct the {Honorable} {Commissioners}, what to do, in their important trust. and more effectually, to bless the means that may be used.

I am {Honorable} {Sir} with great esteem your most obediant Humble {Servant}, {Timothy} Woodbridge

To the {Honorable} Andrew Oliver {Esquire}